Geneva County Massacre

March 10, 2009Geneva and Samson, Georgia
Michael McLendon (28) kills several members of his family and bystanders, leaving 11 dead and 6 injured

The motive behind McLendon’s murder spree isn’t clear, though he had recently been depressed about not having a career as well as not qualifying for the military or police force, had been disturbed over his parents’ divorce, and had been involved in a legal dispute with family members.

McLendon began the attack by killing his mother, whom he was living with, and setting her house on fire. He then traveled to a relative’s home, shooting relatives and neighbors. Further traveling led him to kill a pedestrian, enter a gas station to kill a customer, and kill a man attempting to subdue him. He also shot at passing vehicles, though no injuries or deaths were reported. He entered into a shoot-out with sheriffs leading to his own death, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.